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https://www.storyboardthat.com/lesson-plans/a-raisin-in-the-sun-by-lorraine-hansberry/plot-diagram
Lesson Plan Overview
Template and Class Instructions
Student Rubric
Lesson Plan Overview
Lesson Plan Overview
A common use for Storyboard That is to help students create a plot diagram of the events from a story or play. Not only is this a great way to teach the parts of the plot, but it reinforces major events and help students develop greater understanding of literary structures, such as five act structure.
Students can create a storyboard capturing the narrative arc in a work with a six-cell storyboard containing the major parts of the plot diagram. For each cell, have students create a scene that follows the story in sequence using: Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution.
Template and Class Instructions
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a visual plot diagram of A Raisin in the Sun.
- Separate the story into the Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution.
- Create an image that represents an important moment or set of events for each of the story components.
- Write a description of each of the steps in the plot diagram.
Lesson Plan Reference
Student Rubric
Student Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
Plot Diagram Rubric (Grades 9-12)
Create a plot diagram for the story using Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution.
| Proficient 25 Points | Emerging 21 Points | Beginning 17 Points | Try Again 13 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Descriptive and Visual Elements | Cells have many descriptive elements, and provide the reader with a vivid representation. | Cells have many descriptive elements, but flow of cells may have been hard to understand. | Cells have few descriptive elements, or have visuals that make the work confusing. | Cells have few or no descriptive elements. |
| Grammar/Spelling | Textables have three or fewer spelling/grammar errors. | Textables have four or fewer spelling/grammar errors. | Textables have five or fewer spelling/grammar errors. | Textables have six or more spelling/grammar errors. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. Student has done both peer and teacher editing. | Work is well written and carefully thought out. Student has either teacher or peer editing, but not both. | Student has done neither peer, nor teacher editing. | Work shows no evidence of any effort. |
| Plot | All parts of the plot are included in the diagram. | All parts of the plot are included in the diagram, but one or more is confusing. | Parts of the plot are missing from the diagram, and/or some aspects of the diagram make the plot difficult to follow. | Almost all of the parts of the plot are missing from the diagram, and/or some aspects of the diagram make the plot very difficult to follow. |
Lesson Plan Overview
A common use for Storyboard That is to help students create a plot diagram of the events from a story or play. Not only is this a great way to teach the parts of the plot, but it reinforces major events and help students develop greater understanding of literary structures, such as five act structure.
Students can create a storyboard capturing the narrative arc in a work with a six-cell storyboard containing the major parts of the plot diagram. For each cell, have students create a scene that follows the story in sequence using: Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a visual plot diagram of A Raisin in the Sun.
- Separate the story into the Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution.
- Create an image that represents an important moment or set of events for each of the story components.
- Write a description of each of the steps in the plot diagram.
Lesson Plan Reference
Student Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
Plot Diagram Rubric (Grades 9-12)
Create a plot diagram for the story using Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution.
| Proficient 25 Points | Emerging 21 Points | Beginning 17 Points | Try Again 13 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Descriptive and Visual Elements | Cells have many descriptive elements, and provide the reader with a vivid representation. | Cells have many descriptive elements, but flow of cells may have been hard to understand. | Cells have few descriptive elements, or have visuals that make the work confusing. | Cells have few or no descriptive elements. |
| Grammar/Spelling | Textables have three or fewer spelling/grammar errors. | Textables have four or fewer spelling/grammar errors. | Textables have five or fewer spelling/grammar errors. | Textables have six or more spelling/grammar errors. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. Student has done both peer and teacher editing. | Work is well written and carefully thought out. Student has either teacher or peer editing, but not both. | Student has done neither peer, nor teacher editing. | Work shows no evidence of any effort. |
| Plot | All parts of the plot are included in the diagram. | All parts of the plot are included in the diagram, but one or more is confusing. | Parts of the plot are missing from the diagram, and/or some aspects of the diagram make the plot difficult to follow. | Almost all of the parts of the plot are missing from the diagram, and/or some aspects of the diagram make the plot very difficult to follow. |
How Tos about A Raisin in the Sun Summary
1
Incorporate character analysis into your plot diagram activity
Enrich your storyboard by asking students to identify key character traits for each major character as they build each stage of the plot. This helps students connect actions and motives to story structure, deepening their comprehension.
2
Assign characters to plot events for deeper reflection
Invite students to note which character is most impacted at each plot point. Highlighting emotional shifts or decisions made by characters helps learners link plot structure to character development.
3
Use color coding for different themes in the plot diagram
Have students assign colors to different themes (like dreams, family, or racism) and visually represent them in each cell. This makes abstract ideas more tangible and sparks class discussion about recurring themes.
4
Facilitate small group discussions before creating storyboards
Arrange students in small groups to brainstorm plot events and character motivations before they start drawing. Peer discussion encourages multiple perspectives and supports stronger storyboards.
5
Review and display student storyboards to celebrate learning
Set aside time to showcase finished storyboards around the classroom or digitally. This motivates students, reinforces learning, and allows for peer feedback.
Frequently Asked Questions about A Raisin in the Sun Summary
What is a plot diagram for A Raisin in the Sun?
A plot diagram for A Raisin in the Sun visually breaks down the story into six main parts: Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution. It helps students understand the narrative arc and key events of Lorraine Hansberry's play.
How can I teach the plot structure of A Raisin in the Sun to high school students?
You can engage students by having them create a six-cell storyboard that illustrates each part of the plot: Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution. This activity reinforces understanding of literary structure and major story events.
What are the main events in A Raisin in the Sun's plot diagram?
The main events include the Younger family's struggles (Exposition), the arrival of the life insurance check (Conflict), decisions about how to use the money (Rising Action), Walter's confrontation with Karl Lindner (Climax), the family's choice to move (Falling Action), and their hopeful departure (Resolution).
Why use storyboards to analyze A Raisin in the Sun in class?
Storyboards help students visually organize and sequence the plot, making it easier to comprehend character motivations, themes, and dramatic structure. This method supports visual learners and encourages creative thinking.
What are some tips for creating a visual plot diagram activity for A Raisin in the Sun?
Assign students to illustrate key moments in each plot part, encourage use of images and brief descriptions, and have them work individually or in groups. Focus on scenes that highlight major conflicts, turning points, and the story's resolution.
More Storyboard That Activities
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https://www.storyboardthat.com/lesson-plans/a-raisin-in-the-sun-by-lorraine-hansberry/plot-diagram
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StoryboardThat is a trademark of Clever Prototypes, LLC, and Registered in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
